Asian Journal of Research and Review in Agriculture

Pinching is a horticultural practice that promotes branching in plants, which boosts bushiness and flower production and, ultimately, leads to higher yields. We wanted to find the okra variety (Abhinandan and JKOH 7315) and pinching technique (no pinching, first node pinching, second node pinching, third node pinching) that would grow the best; therefore, we conducted a field experiment in the Sunsari region in eastern Nepal. From February to June 2022, we conducted the study in a farmer's field using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Our results show that the first node pinching strategy produced the largest yield (14.52 mt/ha), the most lateral branches per plant (7.21), the most pods per plant (22.08), the shortest average pod length (11.72 cm), and the smallest average pod width (1.55 cm). The Abhinandan variety also showed the best yield (13.69 mt/ha), a faster rate of seedling emergence (86.11%), and more pods per plant (20.29). Based on our findings, we advise farmers to grow the Abhinandan variety and use the first node pinching method to get a good crop stand, a greater yield (Mt/ha), and better pod quality. This study provides farmers with useful guidance by emphasizing the significance of pinching techniques and variety selection in maximizing okra output.